lavivi | Thoughts after re-reading A Series of Unfortunate Events (Reply)

I finally finished re-reading A Series of Unfortunate Events this weekend, after beginning in late June. I read books one through six in a few days, then there was a long lapse before I picked up seven, then the rest. I read the last four or so very quickly, one after the other.

A couple quotes from the last book, then a number of prominent comments and questions.

"People aren't either wicked or noble," the hook-handed man said. "They're like chef's salads, with good things and bad things chopped and mixed together in a vinaigrette of confusion and conflict."

I LOVE YOU, FERNALD. I shall now refer to you as Phineas Nigellus the Second.

One of the things that disappointed me about the eleventh book was how unintimidating Count Olaf was. It feels like at this point, the Baudelaires should be able to stand up to him. I also didn't really like how he, Esme, and Carmelita laughed. But, there did come a point when I laughed at the effect, and I think that Lemony also agrees it is irritating.

"Giggle giggle gaudy!" Carmelita cried, leading the way out of the Main Hall.
"Ha ha hair trigger!" Esme screamed, following her.
"Tee hee tonsillectomy!" Count Olaf shrieked, walking behind his girlfriend.
"I also find this amusing!" the hook-handed man yelled, and slammed the door behind him....

That last line makes the three previous entirely worth it. Now:

I am trying to remember why I was convinced that Beatrice could not have been the Baudelaires' mother. Evidence now that she was: she was in a play; she loved reading; she probably is dead after all.
I had forgotten that Quigley's probably the survivor that page thirteen of the Snicket file mentioned, and that the Baudelaires also realize this.
So it's not an engraving or any particular characteristic of the sugar bowl that makes it important, but something stored inside. There's a tightly sealed lid over the top.
How did Fernald lose his hands??
Who is the second J.S.?
Who is the woman who passed the Baudelaires on their way to the Grim Grotto, and how/why did she convince Captain Widdershins to leave - and where did they go?
WTF was that question-mark submarine? Was it even a submarine?
And perhaps related to the above question, who is that couple that has an Aura of Menace?
There's a line in the eleventh book about the Baudelaires finding there were troubles underwater, just as they would later find them high in the air. So are they going to join Hector and the other Quagmires in the hot air balloon? Possible method of geting off: another balloon/plane/something flying next to Hector's and letting them transfer to it.
Omega, Violet/Quigley and Klaus/Fiona are SO ADORABLE. As I was just saying to a friend, there is really something to be said for Lemony Snicket's slow style of developing characters and emotions. When he finally reaches the climax of a relationship, there's such an enormous thrill for the reader.